Statement by Mayor Patrick Madden on Recent Fire Investigations

Statement by Mayor Patrick Madden on Recent Fire Investigations

TROY, NY – Mayor Patrick Madden has issued the following statement regarding the recent fires currently under investigation in the City of Troy:

“In coordination with local, state and federal agencies — including Troy Fire and Police Departments, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), State Police, and the State Fire Investigations Unit– the City of Troy is aggressively investigating six recent fire incidents as arsons. While it is too soon to know if there is a connection between these events, I continue to have great confidence in our public safety officials who will exhaustively examine all leads in the course of their investigation.

“To ensure the continued safety of our families and residents the Troy Police, Fire and Code Enforcement departments are deploying additional officers and staff to conduct patrols and inspections. Additionally, I am asking all our residents to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity or individuals seen in or around vacant buildings to the Troy Police Department. Your assistance is vital in protecting your community & neighbors and assists our public safety officials keep our community safe.”

Troy residents should report suspicious activity to the Troy Police Department at (518) 270-4411. Residents are reminded that in the event of an emergency they should dial 9-1-1.

Residents and business owners are also asked to register their private security cameras with the Troy Police Department’s Camera Registry Program (“SafeCam”). Community participation in the SafeCam program increases the number of available cameras which can be utilized by the Troy Police Department in its investigations. Additionally, any residents in the vicinity of the recent fires who may have video footage are encouraged to contact the Troy Police Department’s Detective Bureau immediately at (518) 270-4426 (ext. 1). Register with the SafeCam program here: http://www.troyny.gov/departments/police-department/safecam/

Troy residents are also asked to immediately notify the Bureau of Code Enforcement of issues associated with the improper securing of vacant properties (boards pulled off windows, open doors, broken windows, ect.). Complaints can be submitted by calling (518) 279-7180 during normal business hours or after-hours at (518) 270-4404. Complaints can also be submitted online at the Bureau of Code Enforcement homepage.

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Since January of 2016, Mayor Madden and his administration have aggressively pursued initiatives to tackle vacancy and blight in Troy neighborhoods. Over 570 properties are classified as vacant in Troy, with only a fraction owned by the City.

During the previous 19 months, approximately 45 blighted buildings have been removed from across the City of Troy, with 16 demolitions conducted by the City and in partnership with the Troy Community Land Bank with support of state grant funding administered in part by the New York State Attorney General’s office. The City of Troy has continued to tackle blight and vacancy through additional grant funding for rehabilitation & renovation programs, efforts to encourage owner-occupancy, and expansion of the administrative capacity of Code Enforcement through technology upgrades for improved management and oversight of properties. These pro-neighborhood improvement initiatives will continue to have a major impact on enhancing the streetscape and the quality of life for Troy residents and families.